Around The Bay

With Jim’s Bait and Tackle

IT WAS a sensational couple of days weather to finish off the end of the traditional two weeks of Christmas holidays. 

And during that 2 weeks we have had many of our customers back for the first time since we moved. From Mel and I we would like to say a huge thanks to everyone for the positive comments over the last few weeks, both about the shop and our social media content, we appreciate the comments as they let us know we are going in the right direction. 

Stock update for those waiting, King Brown Teasers, Halco Laser Pro in the King Brown colour, 160 and 190, this might be the last delivery of these for a while with stock shortages.  

We have all sizes in the cooler bags including the small one for the bay fishermen. Wind-on leaders for those waiting to have their gear rigged, 100lb mono for top-shot and we are now in a position to take rod and reel repairs. 

We will have other deliveries of terminal stock, rods and reels over the next week or so but have been told from our suppliers they are expecting a shortage again because of the closures in China.

With all the extra people around there has been far more out fishing, boats and from the land so naturally we have had lots of reports. 

As usual the fish in the bay this time of the year can be a little harder to find with so many boats around but there is still some quality to be had. 

It seems to be a combination of boat traffic and the sun because the best of the reports have all been coming from very early morning or late evening. 

As for where to fish, it’s a bit of anybody’s guess and we always recommend you just head to the places you are familiar with, new to the area we do have maps in store to help you out. 

The corals are always a good starting point, especially if it’s an office hour fishing trip with the kids as there is always something happening there and easier to fish than the deep water. 

Whiting have been slower and better on the Rhyll side both shallow and deep with dickies bay a little inconsistent. Big snapper have gone and the trick is getting past the undersized ones to get to the bigger pinkies, when you work it out let me know. 

We are seeing the pinkies caught in just about every corner of the bay and while a bit bigger than last year they are still very small. 

When you do find a patch of bigger ones some are over the 40cm and a welcome change from catching 26cm ones. 

Gummies are the same with the majority of the reports about pups and not that many bigger ones showing up. 

Offshore and the opportunity was limited for most but those who persevered were rewarded with a tuna or two. 

This year has started exactly like last year with the tuna very patchy to start and very frustrating as you watch them sunning themselves but not interested in taking a lure. 

Lures haven’t changed and everyone has a favourite, skirts, small, still the favoured, unless you are using a king brown coloured diving one it seems and some swear by teasers while other say you don’t need them, those using them are so far in front for numbers than those without them. Whichever way you go to be successful you must put in the time, have plenty of variety and make sure your gear is up to scratch just in case you pick up one of the 40kg models or a kingfish decided to jump on.